Malcolm Rivera
Barbados was a constitutional monarchy with the Queen as its head of state until 2021 when it became a republic. The transition to a republic was a significant moment in the country's history, as it marked the end of centuries of British influence and colonial rule. The move to a republic was driven by the desire to fully leave the country's colonial past behind and for Barbados to have a Barbadian head of state. While the country has cut ties with the British monarchy, it remains a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, an association of former British colonies and dependencies. The transition to a republic in Barbados has sparked discussions about the role of constitutional monarchies and republics, with some seeing the monarchy as a safeguard against potential abuses of power, while others view it as a lack of democratic accountability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Government | Constitutional monarchy, but became a republic in November 2021 |
| Head of State | Monarch, but now President Dame Sandra Mason |
| Membership in Commonwealth of Nations | Yes, both as a constitutional monarchy and a republic |
| Democratic Accountability | Limited citizen involvement in choosing their leader |
| Variable Competence | No guarantee of monarch's competence or suitability |
| Personal Beliefs and Conservatism | Disconnect between the monarch's views and the values of their citizens |
| Safeguards | Monarchs can refuse royal assent to legislation that contradicts the Constitution |
| Smooth Transitions | Hereditary nature of monarchy can provide a clear and peaceful mechanism for succession |
| Honours | British crown has knighted 132 Bajans |
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What You'll Learn
Barbados was a constitutional monarchy
The country's status as a constitutional monarchy was contentious, with some arguing for a transition to a republic. In September 2020, the Barbados Labour Party government announced its intention to become a republic by November 2021. This move would sever Barbados's ties with the British monarchy and allow the country to fully leave its colonial past behind. The Barbados Labour Party held a two-thirds majority in both houses of the Barbadian Parliament, enough to approve a constitutional amendment to remove the Queen as head of state.
On November 30, 2021, 55 years after gaining independence, Barbados officially became a republic, with Dame Sandra Mason as its first president. The transition was marked by a ceremony attended by the Prince of Wales, who emphasised the enduring friendship between the two nations. Despite the change, Barbados remains a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, an association of former British colonies and current dependencies.
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Queen Elizabeth II was the head of state
Barbados was a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state until 2021. The role of the Queen was largely ceremonial, and she had no real political power. The monarch's role in a constitutional monarchy is to represent tradition and continuity, while the elected officials hold political power.
In September 2020, the Barbados Labour Party government, led by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, announced that Barbados would become a republic by November 2021. This decision was made to "fully leave our colonial past behind" and have a "Barbadian head of state". The transition to a republic meant that Barbados would cease to be a Commonwealth realm, but it would maintain its membership in the Commonwealth of Nations.
The role of the Queen as the head of state in these countries varied. In some, like the UK, she had a ceremonial role, while in others, she had more power and influence in governance. In all cases, the Queen was the figurehead and symbol of the country, with the day-to-day duties carried out by a governor-general appointed by her and the country's parliament.
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The Queen's role was largely ceremonial
Barbados was a constitutional monarchy under the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen's role was largely ceremonial, and she was not involved in the daily affairs of the country. The Queen's cousin, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, represented her at the independence celebrations in 1966. On Independence Day, the Prince opened the second session of the first parliament on behalf of the Queen.
The monarch was the focus of oaths of allegiance, which were required of many employees of the Crown and new citizens. This was done in reciprocation for the sovereign's Coronation Oath, in which she promised to govern the people of her realms "according to their respective laws and customs". The oath of allegiance in Barbados was:
> "I, [name], do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Her Heirs and Successors, according to law. So help me God."
The Queen of Barbados was also a symbol of the legitimacy of the courts of justice and their judicial authority. An image of the Queen or the Coat of Arms of Barbados was always displayed in Barbadian courtrooms, and judges had a pair of white gloves from the Queen on display, marking the authority of the court.
The Governor-General of Barbados, Sandra Mason, was the royal family's appointed representative and carried out the role of giving assent to bills passed by legislators on behalf of the Queen. All laws in Barbados were enacted only with the viceroy's granting of Royal Assent in the monarch's name. Thus, bills began with the phrase:
> "Be it enacted by the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Assembly of Barbados and by the authority of the same as follows."
On November 30, 2021, Barbados transitioned to a republic within the Commonwealth, replacing its monarchy with a ceremonial president.
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Barbados became a republic in 2021
On 30 November 2021, Barbados became an independent republic, 55 years after gaining independence from the United Kingdom. The transition signalled the end of the British monarchy's rule over the Caribbean island, which began in the early 1600s when English settlers claimed it for the British crown.
The move to a republic was the culmination of over 40 years of debate and a long process of quietly doing away with British symbols, customs, and practices. The Barbados Labour Party, which held a two-thirds majority in both houses of the Barbadian Parliament, announced the country's plan to become a republic in September 2020. The Governor-General of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason, stated that "the time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind" and that "Barbadians want a Barbadian head of state".
As a republic, Barbados has cut one of its last ties to the British crown, with the Queen no longer serving as the country's head of state. However, Barbados remains a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, an association of mostly former British colonies working together to promote good governance. The country will also continue to recognise the British monarchy through the Order of Freedom of Barbados, which was bestowed upon the new president by Prince Charles.
The transition to a republic is a significant change for Barbados, as it will no longer have to seek the Queen's blessing on appointments of ambassadors and other diplomats. The country's new head of state, Dame Sandra Mason, was elected by the people of Barbados in October 2021. The prime minister, Mia Amor Mottley, described the move to a republic as a "seminal moment" and a "statement of confidence" in the country's ability to self-govern.
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Dame Sandra Mason is now President of Barbados
Dame Sandra Mason is a Barbadian politician, lawyer, and diplomat who has served as the first president of Barbados since 2021. She was born on 17 January 1949 in Saint Philip, Barbados, and began her career as a teacher at the Princess Margaret Secondary School. She later worked as a clerk and then became a lawyer. She was the eighth and final governor-general of Barbados from 2018 to 2021, the second woman to hold the office.
On 20 October 2021, Mason was elected by the Parliament of Barbados to become the country's first president and took office on 30 November 2021, when Barbados ceased to be a constitutional monarchy and became a republic. This transition ended the Queen's role as the country's head of state, a role that was passed down through hereditary succession. As a republic, Barbados now has an elected official as its head of state, who is chosen through democratic processes. While the president may have executive powers, their role can be largely ceremonial, involving the signing of documents with the prime minister.
Mason's election as the first president of Barbados was a significant step in the country's transition to a republic and the removal of the monarchy. This move was not without opposition, as some critics argued that it lacked the express consent of the Barbadian people. However, supporters of the transition believed it to be a statement of confidence in the country's capabilities and a way to leave behind its colonial past.
As president, Mason has represented Barbados at several important events, including the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in 2023. She has also held various legal and diplomatic positions throughout her career, including serving as an ambassador to several South American countries and as a judge in Barbados and Saint Lucia.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Barbados is no longer a constitutional monarchy. In November 2021, the country became a republic, cutting ties with the British monarchy and removing the Queen as its head of state.
A constitutional monarchy is a system of government in which a monarch acts as the head of state, but their role is largely ceremonial, with political power held by elected officials.
Barbados' transition to a republic was about self-identity and controlling its destiny, fully leaving its colonial past behind. The country had been quietly marching towards this moment for years, doing away with British symbols, customs, and practices.
Barbados no longer has to seek the Queen's blessing on appointments of ambassadors and other diplomats. The country also drafted a new constitution to support its fully sovereign status.
No, Barbados remains a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, an association of former British colonies and current dependencies.
